Located in the Seto Inland Sea and under the jurisdiction of Hyogo Prefecture, Awajishima (淡路島) or Awaji Island is the largest of the islands found in between Honshu and Shikoku island groups.
Awajishima (淡路島) or Awaji Island
Awajishima Details
Awajishima has an area of 228.64 square miles. It is separated from Honshu by the Akashi Strait and from Shikoku by the Naruto Strait. The name Awaji originally means "the road to Awa". Awa being the historic province in the Shikoku side of Naruto Strait which is now part of Tokushima Prefecture.
The island was finally connected to Kobe City in Hyogo Prefecture when Akashi Kaikyo Bridge opened on April 5, 1998. Together with the Kobe Awaji Naruto Expressway and Onaruto Bridge which was opened to the public in 1985,Awajishima finally became a concrete link to Honshu and Shikoku.
Gotta love the view from Awaji Service Area
An article about Awajishima won't be complete without including the myth of its creation. According to the Japanese creation myth, Awaji was the first of the Oyashima islands born from the union of the gods Izanagi and Izanami. Historically, Awajishima was once a province until it became part of Hyogo Prefecture. Today, Awajishima consists of three municipalities which are Awaji, Sumoto, and Minamiawaji.
Ella with our Japanese family
Team Nicerio visits Awajishima
Awajishima is famous for their onions
My family and I got to visit Awajishima during our 10th day in Japan. Our Japanese family brought us to the island on a road trip to see the famed Naruto Whirlpools which forms in Naruto Strait.
Watch the Naruto Whirlpool from the viewing deck of Uzushio Deck Area
Other things to do and see in Awajishima:
- Watch the traditional puppet theater, the Awaji Ningyo-Joruri - Check out the Nojima Fault Preservation Museum in Hokudancho Earthquake Memorial Park
- Drive around Awajishima ( You can check out my first time driving in Japan video below)
Why visit Awajishima?
Overall, Awajishima is a perfect place to visit as it is seldom visited by foreign tourists. This gives it the "road less traveled" feel. Aside from that, the island is also perfect for nature lovers and food trippers. So what are you waiting for? Add Awajishima to your itinerary on your next visit to Japan.
Getting to Awajishima:
From Sannomiya in Kobe City, ride a highway express bus. The ride will take approximately 50 minutes to go to Awaji Yumebutai. You may ride the Awaji Kotsu from Sannomiya to Awaji which costs around 1850 yen. Another bus line is the Honshi Kaikyu Bus, it's more expensive but allows you to visit more destinations. Once you are in Awajishima, you can go around the island by local bus.
I like that this is the 1st island created from the union of two gods. I also really appreciate the road sign you included. I can better imagine visiting Japan knowing I will be able to understand highway signs. I'm curious. At the roadside rest stop, there was a checkered pattern. Does that signify anything?
I have always wanted to visit Japan. Looks like an amazing place. I love learning about the folk lore! Like how Awaji was born of the other two gods. Stories like that make a place really come alive!
Located in Rosario in the province of Cavite, Casa Hacienda de Tejeros is famously known as the location of the historic Tejeros Convention of 1897. Casa Hacienda de Tejeros Casa Hacienda de Tejeros history Casa Hacienda de Tejeros was originally built in the 17th century. The hacienda and its surrounding lands were formerly owned by the Augustinian Recollects. The estate was once the largest and grandest estate in the country. It once covered as much as 1,125 hectares with the casa occupying 4 hectares of it. Casa Hacienda de Tejeros - Rosario, Cavite The NHI Marker of the Casa Hacienda de Tejeros The name tejeros came from the Spanish name tejer , which means "to weave". It's due to the fact that the weaving industry is one of the major industries of the municipality of Rosario. Going back to its historical importance, Casa Hacienda de Tejeros played an important role in 1897 when it hosted the assembly that the new leaders of the revolution were elected. ...
Kamay ni Hesus Shrine, or simply Kamay ni Hesus is a famous religious shrine and grotto. It is l ocated in Barangay Tinamnan, Lucban in the province of Quezon. Kamay ni Hesus Shrine Kamay ni Hesus Shrine History Also known as Via Dolorosa Grotto , Kamay ni Hesus Shrine was built under the initiative of Fr. Joseph "Joey" Faller in 2003. He is known as a gifted healing priest. Due to Fr. Faller's healing masses, Kamay ni Hesus Shrine became one of the country's most visited healing centers. Kamay ni Hesus Shrine - Lucban, Quezon Statues of saints can be seen in different areas of Kamay ni Hesus Shrine A replica of Pieta by Michelangelo Pilgrims look like ants from a distance. Kamay ni Hesus Healing Church Inside the Kamay ni Hesus Healing Church One of the highlights of Kamay ni Hesus Shrine is the 50-foot statue of Christ with his arm wide open found on the top of a hill. This statue is often referred to as the Risen Christ or Ascending ...
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Nestled in the picturesque district of Arashiyama, Kyoto, the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove ( 嵐山竹林の小径 ) also referred to as Arashiyama Bamboo Forest remains one of Japan's most enchanting natural attractions. The dense, towering bamboo stalks, swaying gently in the breeze, create a serene and almost otherworldly atmosphere that captivates visitors from around the globe. Having experienced this mesmerizing location multiple times, I've come to appreciate its timeless beauty from various perspectives. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove - Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture My first visit to Arashiyama Bamboo Grove was during my 2018 trip to Japan with my wife and daughter. We were drawn by the grove's reputation as a must-see destination, and it certainly lived up to the hype. As we meandered along the winding paths, we were enveloped by the soothing rustle of bamboo leaves and the dappled sunlight filtering through the green canopy. The experience was as magical as it w...
Located in 1 Kujo-cho, Minami-ku, Kyoto City in Kyoto Prefecture, Toji or Toji Temple ( 東寺 ) is one of the 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites of Kyoto City. Toji ( 東寺 ) Toji History Toji was founded in 796, two years after the capital was moved from Nara to Heian-kyo (old name of Kyoto). The temple was one of the two guardian temples that were built on the main entrances of the Imperial Capital. To-ji , which means " East Temple ", was the guardian temple of the East while its sister temple Sai-ji , which means " West Temple " was the guardian temple of the West. This temple stood alongside the Rashomon which is the gate to the Heian capital. Sadly, Sai-ji burnt down in 990, rebuilt, and was ravaged by fire again in 1233. It was never rebuilt after. The Toji Kondo as seen from the Nandaimon (gate) I got to visit Toji during the Kobi-ichi (flea market) Check out the items you might want to bring home. Toji was formerly known as Kyo-o-gokaku-ji or...
Weekend 63: January 14 – 15, 2023 Day 439: January 14, 2023 Saturday – A Day in Sapporo Complimentary breakfast at Comfort Hotel Sapporo Good morning, everyone. It’s the final few days of our Winter Vacation. Today, we plan to explore Sapporo City before heading back home to Rumoi City. However, before that, we had our complimentary breakfast at the Comfort Hotel Sapporo . After our sumptuous meal, we went back to our room and did our final preparations before checking out. Susukino Station One of the first things that we did was rent a locker to leave our things in. In this way, we could explore the city more conveniently. Saw this cool Lego display at the station Time to board the subway to our next destination From the hotel, we went to Susukino Station and bought the Donichika Ticket . We then boarded the subway going to Odori Station . We then transferred to the train going to Oyachi Station . Before leaving the station, Ella and I did not miss getting the eki stamp of th...
Located along Daang Hari in the City of Las Piñas, Fernbrook Gardens also known as Palazzo Verde is one of the most popular wedding venues in the country. Fernbrooks Gardens / Palazzo Verde Most people would contest that Fernbrook Gardens should be included in the Visita Iglesia section of my blog because regular church services are conducted in its chapel which is also known as Notre Dame de Vie Chapel . Fernbrook Gardens - Las Pinas City Inside the Notre Dame de Vie Chapel Fernbrook Gardens has its own chapel but the chapel is just a small part of its venue. Overall, this place is more of a venue, than a pilgrimage site. The beautiful fountain as seen from the chapel The fountain as seen from the entrance Having fun with the trumpeters Issues aside, Fernbrook Gardens would surely captivate visitors with its fantasy-like ambiance. Its greenhouse-like structure shows a unique contemporary architectural design. Aside from t...
Todaiji ( 東大寺 ) , an iconic symbol of Japan’s rich cultural and historical legacy, has been a significant destination for our family. Our initial visit on January 3, 2015 , was an awe-inspiring experience, and returning on December 21, 2019 , with my parents and siblings only deepened our appreciation. Most recently, on January 11, 2023 , which marked my 436th day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme , we had the pleasure of revisiting this magnificent temple. Each visit has offered a unique perspective on Todaiji ’s enduring grandeur. Todaiji Todaiji Details Todaiji , located in Nara Park, is renowned for its historical significance and architectural splendor. Established in 728 and completed in its current form in 752, the temple was originally built to symbolize the power of the imperial family and the Buddhist faith. It is home to the Great Buddha (Daibutsu) , a colossal bronze statue standing over 15 meters tall, which is one of Japan’s most revered icons. Todaiji - ...
10 Things to Do in Uji City Uji ( 宇治市 ) is the second largest city in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan . Uji City was founded in 1951. The city is known for being the setting of the final chapters of The Tale of Genji by the 11th-century author Murasaki Shikubi. The kanji used for its name u ( 宇 ) means “space or universe” and ji ( 治 ) means “to govern or to manage”. For those planning to visit the city to check what it has to offer, here are the 10 Things to Do in Uji City: Uji City manhole cover 1. Take a picture of the manhole cover of Uji City . So far, I have seen 1 unique manhole cover. It is common around the city. Uji Bridge 2. Take a picture and cross the historic Uji Bridge ( 宇治橋 ) . It is one of the three oldest bridges in all of Japan. The bridge was also featured in many Japanese works of art and literature, the most popular of which was “The Tale of Genji”. Byodoin Omotesando 3. Shop for matcha and souvenirs at numerous stores located at the Byodoin Omotesando ( 平等...
Sanjo Bridge ( 三条大橋 ) is one of the oldest and historical bridges in Kyoto City. It is located at Ohashicho, Higashiyama Ward in Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture in Japan . Sanjo Bridge Sanjo Bridge Details The precise date of the original construction of the Sanjo Bridge remains unknown. However, historical records indicate that Toyotomi Hideyoshi ordered repairs to the bridge in 1590. Notably, one of the bridge's original giboshi (ornamental, onion-shaped posts found on bridges, shrines, and temples in Japan) bears a distinctive cut, believed to have been inflicted during the Ikedaya Incident, an event associated with a nearby inn. Sanjo Bridge - Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture The bridge as it stands today—a concrete structure featuring two traffic lanes and pedestrian paths on either side—was constructed in 1950. Over the centuries, the Sanjo Bridge has undergone several reconstructions due to flood damage and other factors. The most recent reconstruction occurred in 195...
Our adventurous feet take us to the historical town of Maragondon in the province of Cavite. Today, we'll be hiking a historical yet controversial mountain - Mt. Buntis . Mt. Buntis Mt. Buntis Details: Mt. Buntis stands 280 meters above sea level (MASL). The name " buntis " is a Filipino word that means pregnant. To find out why it was named as such, I asked our guide who sadly seems to know nothing about it. Then I recalled that a few years back, I hiked another mountain near Mt. Buntis called Mt. Nagpatong . The name " nagpatong ", by the way, means to lie on top of somebody... I would love to share my own interpretation of how these mountains got their names but the story tends to be perverted in some way so I'd skip that part. Barangay Caingin Barangay Hall Don't forget to register Going back, despite its "shortage in elevation", Mt. Buntis remains one of the well-known mountains in the Philippines. This is brought by ...
I like that this is the 1st island created from the union of two gods. I also really appreciate the road sign you included. I can better imagine visiting Japan knowing I will be able to understand highway signs. I'm curious. At the roadside rest stop, there was a checkered pattern. Does that signify anything?
ReplyDeleteHello Bob! Thank you so much for visiting. I do hope you can visit Awajishima someday.
DeleteThe checkered pattern does not signify anything. It's just a design. =)
What an amazing place to visit! I definitely want to go after
ReplyDeleteReading this!
Hello Mrs. Type A. Please do visit Awajishima when you get a chance. =) Thank you.
DeleteI have always wanted to visit Japan. Looks like an amazing place. I love learning about the folk lore! Like how Awaji was born of the other two gods. Stories like that make a place really come alive!
ReplyDeleteHello Tracy, same here. I love to learn the history and legends of a place. It makes the place or meaningful for me.
DeleteSounds like you enjoyed your trip! Great Photos!!
ReplyDeleteI did. I really enjoyed Awajishima. I hope you get to visit it too.
DeleteWow! The view is breath-taking which convinced me more that Japan is definitely a must-visit country!
ReplyDeleteHi Nina. You should really visit Awajishima. =) You would definitely love it.
DeleteSounds like an absolutely wonderful place to visit!! Hope to get there one day!!
ReplyDeleteI do hope you get to visit Awajishima someday.
DeleteThat rest area view is absolutely beautiful
ReplyDeleteI agree Vas. The rest area in Awajishima has the best view of Akashi Kaikyo Bridge (Japan's longest bridge).
DeleteSuch lovely pictures. Enjoyed reading the blog.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for visiting my blog.
DeleteThis seems like an absolutely wonderful place to travel! I hope to be able to add it to my bucket list of places to see and get there one day!!
ReplyDeleteThank you. Please do add Awajishima to your bucket list of places to see. I would be looking forward to hear from you once you do visit it.
Delete